Aston Villa fans have lined the streets as the team landed in Birmingham for their Europa League victory parade. The club’s first European trophy in 44 years is being celebrated by fans in the city.
The open top bus parade is expected to begin shortly. There is a sea of claret and blue in Centenary Square as fans celebrate.
The crowds are singing and the atmosphere is electric as they wait for the bus. According to a Midlands correspondent, to see the trophy being lifted in the Second City will be worth its weight in gold.
Celebrations Underway in Birmingham
Claret and blue flares have been lit and flags are out as the sun shines. Centenary Square is ready for the Villa bus.
There are also hundreds of fans gathered at the city’s historic Chamberlain clock in the Jewellery Quarter, where the parade gets under way.
Moments after Villa’s players touched down in Birmingham, captain John McGinn described his pride in his teammates’ achievements. McGinn wrote on social media that he had no words to describe how he’s feeling. He added that it has been some journey and now again Aston Villa can call themselves EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS.
The Scottish midfielder joined the Midlands club from Hibernian in 2018. McGinn stated he never thought he would play for a club the size of Villa but to help lead them to a major European trophy makes him the proudest guy alive.
The Europa League Trophy
Fans gathered on the route through Birmingham will be hoping to catch a glimpse of the Europa League trophy. It weighs in at 15kg.
- It stands 65cm high.
- It is 33cm wide.
- It is 23cm deep.
The trophy was designed and crafted by the Bertoni workshop in Milan, and stands on a yellow marble plinth. According to Uefa, the original trophy remains with the organisation at all times, with Villa instead awarded a full-size replica.
Fans Remember the 1982 European Cup Win
Mandy, Andy and Luke are among the supporters eagerly waiting for the parade to begin. Andy said he has been a Villa fan since about 1980. He was in Birmingham to see the club bring back the European Cup from Rotterdam in 1982.
Andy said it was brilliant and absolutely amazing the first time. He was 17 years old and thought it was fantastic.
As the parade kicks off, updates from reporters on the route will continue to be provided.